Food Fun Family

Chippokes State Park: The Founders District

Lolli — Thu, 27 May 2021 12:32:07 +0000

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of The Founder’s District. All opinions are 100% mine.

Living on the East Coast for the last 25 years has been a fascinating journey for me. I grew up on the West Coast and learned about missions and the Gold Rush and the Oregon Trail in school. Early American history seemed so “foreign” to me that it might as well have taken place in another country.

It has been interesting to raise my own kids in a totally different part of the country, with new-to-me things to discover and explore. I have come to love this area – the DMV (DC-Maryland-Virginia) as locals like to call it – and the rich history that this land is home to.

Just this past year, I was thrilled to discover that I have ancestors who lived in Jamestown in the early days of American history.

Years ago, when my mom was visiting us in Maryland, we drove down to Virginia to visit Historic Jamestowne and the surrounding sites. Little did I know during that first visit to Jamestown Settlement that there was so much more to explore right in the same area. In fact, there are eight amazing destinations in The Founder’s District, each with something unique to learn and enjoy.

Jamestown Settlement
Colonial Parkway/Colonial National Historical Park
Historic Jamestowne
James County Marina
Chippokes State Park
Jamestown- Scotland Ferry
Hog Island Wildlife Management Area
Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

Today, though, I want to feature Chippokes State Park, which is at the top of my list for places I want to visit with my family.

Chippokes State Park is one of the oldest continuously operated plantations in the nation. Established in 1619 by English Captain William Powell, a Lieutenant Governor of Jamestown, this 1,400-acre farm located opposite Jamestown Island, has been the site of an active agricultural operation for nearly four centuries. Powell named the plantation after Choapoke, an Algonquian Indian Chief who was friendly to the English settlers in Jamestown.

Since moving to our farm in Maryland a year and a half ago, I’ve become even more fascinated with the type of farming that built our country. I also love being outdoors and exploring the beauties that this area has to offer.

At Chippokes State Park, families can take advantage of modern recreational activities (like an Olympic-sized swimming pool, hiking, biking and horseback trails, and gift shops) as well as enjoy a glimpse into life in the colonial days. The park has a campground and four overnight cabins that allow visitors to stay on the historic grounds.

So pack a picnic for a day trip or grab your tent and sleeping bags for a family weekend getaway and see all that Chippokes State Park and The Founders District has to offer.

Kings Dominion BBQ and Brew Fest 2017

Lolli — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 21:20:19 +0000

My family and I were thrilled to receive an invite to BBQ and Brew Fest at Kings Dominion this past weekend. We couldn’t wait to return for our second year in a row (although this was BBQ and Brew Fest’s 3rd season at the park). The post was sponsored by Cedar Fair in conjunction with Blog Meets Brand, but all thoughts, excitement, and photos are my own.

We decided to make this year’s BBQ and Brew Fest at Kings Dominion a fun family weekend getaway and stayed in the Richmond area Friday and Saturday so we could have a full day – opening to closing – at the park. We couldn’t have asked for better weather for a day at Kings Dominion, especially for August!

What is BBQ and Brew Fest?

BBQ and Brew Fest, in it’s 3rd season, runs Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 8pm between August 5 and August 20. Park-goers can enjoy mouthwatering BBQ from all over the region and relax or dance along with live entertainment (whichever strikes your fancy!). For those of you who are 21+ and enjoy a good craft beer, you can quench your thirst with the best local craft beers in Virginia. Since I’m not a beer drinker myself, I just enjoyed as much of the BBQ as possible!

Memphis Dry Rub Ribs

Memphis-style Mac & Cheese

North Carolina Pulled Chicken Wontons

Shish Kabob Beef from Georgia

How it Works

Visit BBQ booths around Candy Apple Grove to taste sample size BBQ dishes from Texas, Georgia, Memphis, North Carolina, Virginia, and St. Louis. Each sample size portion costs 2-4 Taste Tokens. Tokens can be purchased at the Festival Information Center. The “sample” sizes were very generous, and we all got plenty to eat!

BBQ and Brew Fest Menu 2017

We all spread out and visited several BBQ regions. I think my favorite item was the tater tots with pulled duck and creamy gouda cheese. How delicious does that sound?! It was as tasty as it sounds and looks!

Tater tots with pulled duck and creamy gouda cheese

Live Entertainment

There is live music and entertainment every day of the festival between 12-2pm and 4-6pm – perfect for the lunch and dinner crowds! There are places to sit and enjoy the music while you sip on a cold drink and nibble on some tasty BBQ.

Enjoy a Day at Kings Dominion

Of course, we enjoyed the rest of the day at Kings Dominion riding as many rides as possible and taking a relaxing break or two at a show, too! Check out this summer’s shows at https://www.kingsdominion.com/play/shows-and-entertainment. We loved Jump: The Ultimate Dog Show (which runs through September 4 in the Peanuts Showplace) and Origins: A Cirque Experience (which runs through September 4 in the Kings Dominion Theater in Old Virginia).

Origins: A Cirque Experience at Kings Dominion

Jump: The Ultimate Dog Show at Kings Dominion

There’s so much to do at Kings Dominion – from family-friendly rides to thrill rides to water rides to shows! We did a little bit of everything last weekend!

Caricature Drawings at Kings Dominion

Cooling off on the Shenandoah Lumber Company Log Ride

Hurry over to Kings Dominion for the remainder of BBQ and Brew Fest 2017. You’ll love it!

Connect with BBQ and Brew Fest

Learn More about BBQ and Brew Fest: https://www.kingsdominion.com/play/events/bbq-and-brew
Park website: https://www.kingsdominion.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kingsdominionva
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingsdominionva/
Twitter: @KingsDominionVA

6 Things to Do at Hersheypark Christmas Candylane

Lolli — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 12:00:32 +0000

My family and I spent last weekend kicking off the holiday season at Hersheypark as part of my Sweetest Moms ambassadorship. Our park admission and some activities were covered by Hersheypark, but all thoughts are my own.

Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane began Friday, November 11th and is open on select dates through Sunday, January 1, 2017. For operational hours and dates visit www.Hersheypark.com.

Tickets are only $19 and free for kids 2 and under.

I highly recommend bundling up and bringing layers when you visit the park during the holiday season. It’s kind of fun to take a break from our normal summer visits and enjoy the park fully decked out for Christmas. There are festive lights everywhere, Christmas music playing around every corner, and…refillable Hershey’s hot chocolate! It doesn’t get much better than all the hot chocolate you can drink (note: souvenir hot chocolate mugs can be purchased at most of the food vendors throughout the park and can be filled for free on the first day or for 99 cents after the first day. I recommend buying the mug as soon as you get to the park!).

Here are 6 things to do at Hersheypark Christmas Candylane:

Enjoy 5 Fabulous Roller Coasters

Bundle up and enjoy 5 of Hersheypark’s fun and fabulous roller coasters: Cocoa Cruiser, sooperdooperLooper, Wildcat, Wild Mouse, and Laff Trakk. There are a ton of kids rides open as well.

Meet Santa and His Reindeer

Santa is available at Hersheypark (near the Kissing Tower…just follow the signs!) for pictures and the obligatory “gift discussion.”

You can also schedule breakfast or lunch at Hersheypark Place. You get a delicious meal and entertainment from Mrs. Clause and her friends, singing, story telling and a treat for everyone 12 and under. There are tons of photo opportunities with Santa himself. Reservations are required.

Santa’s 9 reindeer (including fan-favorite, Rudolph) are also available for a visit. You can ask the reindeer’s special handlers any question you can think of. We learned a lot about reindeer antlers (did you know that they get a new set of antlers EVERY year and that you can tell reindeer apart by their antlers, which are totally unique from other reindeer?).

A Music Box Christmas

A mysterious music box found in Grandma’s attic brings the magic of Christmas to life in this delightful show that “kids” of all ages will enjoy! Expect lots of dancing and songs and a special, sparkly surprise at the end! A Music Box Christmas can be seen at the Chevrolet Music Box Theatre at Hersheypark.
Presented by Capitol BlueCross

NOEL (“Nights of Extraordinary Lights”) at The Hollow

NOEL, a breathtaking light show featuring more than 200,000 dancing lights synchronized to your favorite Christmas music, is something you can’t miss on your winter trip to Hersheypark! Shows are every half hour starting at 5 PM (when the park is open). Note: there are a few different shows, with a unique variety of holiday tunes, so be sure to check back a few times during the night.

Christmas Candylane Storytime

Join one of Santa’s elves for a holiday story at the Cookie Workshop, located in Kissing Tower Hill.

Weeknights: 6 & 7:30 PM
Saturdays & Sundays: 2:30, 3:30, 4:30, 6 & 7:30 PM
Dec. 24, 31 & Jan. 1: 2:30, 3:30 & 4:30 PM

Rudolph’s Skating Pond

Enjoy “ice” skating on Rudoplh’s synthetic skating pond. You can rent skates for a small fee (I believe it was $2 or $3) right next to the reindeer stables.

Photo courtesy of Hershey

What are you most excited to do at Hersheypark Christmas Candylane? Be sure to check back, because I’ll be bringing more family-fun coverage of our trip, including our stay at Hersheypark’s Camping Resort, our appearance on Hershey’s Kitchens Live, and fun things to do at Hershey’s Chocolate World.

Hersheypark in the Dark

Lolli — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 03:04:39 +0000

As part of my Sweetest Moms Ambassadorship this year, my girls and I were invited to spend Saturday (which happened to be my birthday!) at Hersheypark for the opening weekend of Hersheypark in the Dark – Hersheypark’s annual Halloween celebration. Although we were given tickets, we covered all travel expenses and food ourselves. All thoughts are my own.

Fall is my favorite season – with the changing leaves, the cooler temperatures, and the acceleration towards my favorite holidays of the year.

After spending the weekend at Hersheypark, I’ve convinced that fall is also the perfect time to be in Hershey! Hersheypark is transformed into a festive Halloween town, with family-friendly activities and lots and lots of chocolate. Hersheypark is fun all day long, but it becomes magical at night when the sun goes down and the lights come on. I loved the festive Halloween lights, the singing jack-o-lanterns, and the festive music being played throughout the park.

But I think my favorite Hersheypark in the Dark perk was the Pumpkin Pie Funnel Cake – a seasonal treat featuring a pumpkin spice funnel cake drizzled with cream cheese frosting, sprinkled with crumbled graham crackers, and topped with whipped cream. It was heavenly.

Hersheypark In The Dark

Hersheypark In The Dark takes place Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from October 14 – 30 (2016 schedule)

Here are a few of the things you can expect from Hersheypark in the Dark as well as other area attractions:

More than 50 rides and attractions including 13 roller coasters and Halloween-themed live entertainment.

NEW Laff Trakk will be a dark ride experience (ie, NO LIGHTS!) during all operating hours. In addition, the Park will once again turn the lights off the last operating hour of each evening on the three wooden roller coasters: Comet, Lightning Racer and Wildcat.

Hershey’s Trick-or-Treat Adventure with two locations – Hershey’s Chocolate World and Treatville, a hometown village of treats and sweets inside Hersheypark, for children 12 and younger (costumes are encouraged).
Fall-themed food and beverage offerings including pumpkin funnel cakes, pumpkin chili and more!

Live entertainment including favorites “Screaming Mummies,” a band of misfit mummies and their classic Halloween tunes, performing in the Amphitheatre. Additional entertainment offerings including “Boo Crew,” “Monster Party,” and “Treatville Tales” will be located at the exit of Treatville.

Hersheypark In The Dark will offer meet and greet opportunities with your favorite Hershey’s Characters.

For more information about Hersheypark in the Dark, plus hours of operation, visit www.hersheypark.com/seasons/halloween.php.

Laff Trakk is our favorite ride at Hersheypark, but I have to admit…it WAS scarier with the lights out!

Creatures Of The Night at ZooAmerica

Just like the rest of the year, your one-price admission to hersheypark in the Dark also includes admission to ZooAmerica. Starting at 6:00pm every night, guest are encouraged to come to the Zoo with their flashlights to experience Creatures of the Night…after dark and after-hours. This is the only time of the year when guests can experience ZooAmerica in the dark!

See ZooAmerica’s newest additions – two black bears and two armadillos!
Guests may observe the nocturnal habits of North American species with programs and activities nightly starting at 6:00pm (like howling with the wolves!)
Pumpkin treats for select animals.

My girls and I thought it would be fun to howl with the wolves…and it was! Once people and wolves started howling at the full moon (and it really WAS a full moon!), it was hard not to join in.

Hershey’s Chocolate World

We love Hershey’s Chocolate World all year long (especially because it’s a place we can go for good food, entertainment, and as much candy as you could dream of….with free admission!) but like Hersheypark, Chocolate World has some Halloween-themed fun you don’t want to miss!

Hershey’s Trick-Or-Treat Adventure: The candy collecting begins at Hershey’s Chocolate World and continues inside Hersheypark.
Full Moon Fridays: Dress up and enter Hershey Hallow for spook-tacular music, dancing with the Hershey’s Characters and more ghostly activities.

Flavors of Fall Dessert Festival: Bite into the delicious flavors of fall, such as the Pumpkin Pie Milkshake
Trick-or-Treat Trolley: Limited edition tours featuring Milton Hershey’s life story in a fall themed Trolley with plenty of treats and no tricks.
Tricky Treats & Sweets: Shop Halloween treats in Hershey’s largest candy store and pick up delightful sweets from the bakery.

The Hershey Story Museum

Visitors can learn about the history of chocolate at The Hershey Story, The Museum on Chocolate Avenue, and families can experience Ghosts & Goodies: Kids are encouraged to wear their favorite costume as they create ghostly treats using Hershey’s candy. This is a FREE event and is held October 29 and 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hershey Gardens

Hershey Gardens lights up the night with more than 150 uniquely carved illuminated pumpkins and a variety of whimsical scarecrows that come to life along the path, during its annual Pumpkin Glow. Kids ages 12 and younger are invited to bring a flashlight, come in costume, trick-or-treat throughout the Gardens and experience the following activities:

NEW See a unique collection of live spiders and insects in the Educational & Horticultural Wing of the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory.
Listen to a garden-themed story.
Collect candy treats at stops along the Gardens’ paths.
Watch live pumpkin carving demonstrations.

Pumpkin Glow is from 6 to 8:30pm on October 21, 22, 28 and 29. Tickets may be purchased online at www.HersheyGardens.com or at the door. Please note, the Butterfly Atrium will be closed during Pumpkin Glow hours.

The Official Resorts of Hersheypark

Stay overnight at The Official Resorts of Hersheypark for the perfect fall getaway. Don’t forget that Hershey’s Water Works at Hershey Lodge is new this year and open all year round for guests!

There’s a special Hersheypark In The Dark Package available at Hershey Lodge which includes:

Deluxe accommodations.
Breakfast with Hershey’s Characters.
One-day admission to Hersheypark In The Dark.
Admission to Hershey Gardens (including the new year-round Butterfly Atrium).
Admission to The Hershey Story’s Museum Experience.
The package is available Friday and Saturday nights from October 14 -30 with prices starting from $469*.

*Price is per room per night, based on a family of four. Excludes tax and gratuities. Other restrictions may apply.

The Spa At The Hotel Hershey

Through November 30, The Spa At The Hotel Hershey offers guests fall-themed treatments to relax their mind and body such as Pumpkin Latte Manicure & Pedicure, Pumpkin Soufflé Wrap and Pumpkin Spice Scrub. Please visit www.ChocolateSpa.com for treatments offerings, pricing and additional information.

For additional information, hours and pricing for Halloween In Hershey, please visit www.HersheyPA.com. Follow us on Twitter @HersheyPA, Instagram @TheSweetestPlaceOnEarth and enjoy the latest stories from Hershey, PA at Stories.HersheyPA.com.

5 Fun Family Road Trips for Fall Foliage

Lolli — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 18:55:48 +0000

Fall is the perfect time to take a family road trip and enjoy some quality time together on the road. The weather is cool, the crowds may be thinned out, and if you go during the right time, the trees will be full of vibrant leaves waiting to be kissed by the sun.

Exploring the country in the fall means you’ll get to do some sight-seeing at gorgeous locations that are decked out in autumn splendor. America is full of many scenic locations that make for perfect road trips, so why not plan a trip to one of the five below?

Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway spans 500 miles and is a great route to take for a road trip because you get to enjoy a variety of farmland and forests. The drive takes you near some popular cities such as Asheville, North Carolina and smaller mountain towns like Blowing Rock and Galax, which is a popular destination for bluegrass fans because of the Blue Ridge Music Center.

Another popular road trip destination in Virginia is the Shenandoah National Park. You could plan two separate trips and enjoy the sights that both routes have to offer. The Shenandoah National Park is home to Skyline Drive, which is a 105-mile road that goes through the park and has abundant views.

No matter which route you decide to take, be sure to check the foliage update on the state’s website to go during peak viewing season. You might want to plan ahead and book a hotel in advance during the peak season because rooms go quickly in the area.

Vermont’s Green Mountain and Mad River Byways

Vermont is a very popular destination for travelers who love seeing the fall foliage. You can drive leisurely on one-lane highways that take you through mountains and valleys that are full of color. To get the best views, start where the Mad River flows in Waitsfield, travel through Waterbury, and go on to Stowe. Stowe is home to the highest colorful peak in Vermont. The entire route is a short 23.9 miles.

While you’re there, you can enjoy a cider tasting at Cold Hollow Cider Mill or go shopping at the Cabot Annex, which happens to include the famous Cabot Cheese and Lake Champlain Chocolates. These little attractions are a perfect follow-up after a beautiful drive such as the one in Vermont. Since it’s a short route, you will still have some time and energy to explore the area.

The Coast of Michigan

Michigan’s coast offers plenty of opportunities to view breathtaking fall foliage. The route starts in Traverse City and runs 100 miles through Northeast Michigan. You will see fishing towns to explore and sweet coves from Lake Michigan’s shores as well as beautiful, fiery-red oak and maple leaves contrasting against the green fir, pine and spruce trees of Grand Traverse Bay.

You can stop and enjoy the views from Inspiration Point, walk through the idyllic villages of Omena and Peshwabestown that are located by the lake or visit an attraction from the 19^th Century, the Grand Traverse Lighthouse. There is something for the whole family to enjoy in Michigan.

Lake Moosehead, Maine

Lake Moosehead is Maine’s largest lake and is lined with vibrant trees full of fall foliage for you to enjoy. To see the best views, start at Maine’s white-water-rafting location, The Forks, and travel to Jackman and into the North Woods. Be sure to stop at the Attean Overlook to see its famous views that extend all the way to the Canadian border.

Then go on over to Rockwood towards Lake Moosehead’s shores and stay a while in Greenville before driving under the trees as you take unpaved logging roads that boast beautiful sights. The entire route spans 75.2 miles.

If you and your family are feeling up for a challenge – why not hop on the 3,271 mile path of The Oregon Trail? It begins in Maine and takes you on the path the American settlers took across the nation to Oregon and you’ll see miles of beautiful country along the way.

Before you plan your trip, check the state’s website for the best times to see the leaves at their peak.

New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway

This 84-mile route is home to some of the best views in the southwest. The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway runs from Taos to Eagle Nest, through Angel Fire, and then back to Taos again. There are many things to see along the route.

Eagle Nest is home to Wheeler Peak, a 13,161-foot peak. Along the route, you will see aspens in shades of orange, cinquefoil in purple and cottonwoods in red and yellow. You might spot some of the wildlife as well, such as black bear, eagles and elk.

In this area you can visit Elizabethtown, which is an old gold-mining town, or stop by the Taos Fall Arts Festival if you’re in the area when it’s open.

So the next time you get the itch to enjoy a long drive on some open road with beautiful scenery, consider one of these destinations during the fall. Grab a map and plan your trip so you won’t miss out anything. All that’s left to do is pack your suitcases and load up the family for your next adventure.

About the Author

Jennifer Landis is a foodie, mama, and healthy living blogger. She loves yoga, tea, and running really far (but not really fast). Follow her on Twitter @JenniferELandis and check out her blog, Mindfulness Mama.

Road Trip Packing Tips

Lolli — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 16:35:56 +0000

I am excited to work with Kelley Blue Book to bring you these great packing tips. Kelley Blue Book is sponsoring the giveaway kit as a part of the promotion, and I also received a kit as part of the promotion.

We are a road tripping family. You kind of have to be good at road trips when you’ve got 5 kids. Vacation time means road trips and we LOVE it.

Packing for a family of seven (or a family of six now, since my oldest daughter is married and living all the way across the country) is a game of Tetris. We travel with a lot of stuff. Granted, now that the kids are older, we don’t have to travel with the pack ‘n play or the stroller, but packing with and for teens presents other challenges.

The last two summers have consisted of road trips of epic proportion. Two years ago, we loaded up our minivan with all of the things our oldest daughter needed for school and drove her across the country to move in to her first college dorm. Oh, and did I mention that we ALSO had to pack along camping equipment and clothes for the other 6 of us? Sometimes I felt like our van was a clown car, fitting way more inside than humanly possible.

Last year, we repeated the road trip, minus the college supplies, and I realized one thing: we are good at packing a car for long road trips.

We used to call my oldest daughter the Tetris queen. She has a way with arranging things and finding the best way to fit as much stuff in a small space as possible. She used to do that with the fridge. I’d come home with a full van-load of groceries and have to fit everything in our already-stuffed-full refrigerator. She’d work her magic and we’d be able to fit everything in and more.

My husband is the King of car Tetris, though. We’ve had others in the family try, but he’s the one that can take on the challenge every time. We’ve got our routine…everyone packs their stuff for the trip, takes them outside and sets them next to the car, and he arranges and rearranges until everything fits.

Kelley Blue Book challenged us to take on the great task of getting our car ready for a summer road trip, and though our oldest could have given Dad a run for his money on this game of road trip Tetris, the rest of us are doomed to be at his mercy.

Kelley Blue Book knows the struggle families like mine go through when packing up a car for a road trip, and actually vets hundreds of vehicles to create its official “Best Family Cars for 2016” list. They include everything from testing child safety seats to checking the availability of Apple CarPlay and even conducting a real-world test with real-world families.

Road Trip Car-Packing Tips

Here are 3 car-packing tips from the experts at Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com

Safety First

Put heavier items on the bottom of the cargo area and toward the front, and avoid loading SUVs beyond the height of the rear seat backs. Keeping heavier items up closer to the center of the vehicle can help preserve handling integrity in emergency avoidance situations, while imposing a height limit on your stack of stuff will help maintain rearward vision and prevent objects from becoming projectiles in a collision. If you wouldn’t want somebody throwing it at your head, don’t keep it unsecured and at head level in your car.

Bag It

Consider large trash bags for smaller loose items and soft items like blankets and pillows. It’ll be easier to transport these items to and from the car, and their flexibility makes them more space efficient than a large box, for instance.

Think Short-Term

There’s often plenty of action in the time between packing the car and fully unpacking it at your destination, and planning ahead can save plenty of headache. Obviously you’ll want to keep plenty of food and drink within reach, along with napkins, a trash bag and medicine, perhaps. And any modern family road trip is sure to benefit from a full complement of electronics and related accessories, like power cords and headphones. But if your journey will include a side trip that will take you away from the car, remember to pack any valuables within easy reach so that you can take them with you on your detour. Alternately, pack those valuables deep within your stack. If you plan to arrive at noon and check-in isn’t until 4pm, keep the swimsuits and sunscreen easily accessible so you don’t have to unpack and re-pack the whole car in the middle of the hotel parking lot.

Here are a few tips we would add…(thanks to my husband’s brilliance at getting the car ready for a road trip)

In-Car “Survival” Pack

Long hours in the car can be tough when kids (and parents) get bored. We each – even mom and dad – pack an in-car entertainment and snack bag (usually a small backpack) with books, paper and pencil, favorite snacks, and a blanket and pillow.

Pack Bags Ahead of Time

We find it very helpful to pack suitcases and duffel bags and other supplies the day before so that we can pack the car well ahead of time. I love starting our trip with an already-packed car.

Keep the Seating Area as Clear as Possible

I would rather have a packed-to-the-brim cargo area and leave the space around our feet clear. It makes the car atmosphere much more relaxed for us. Each person has their in-car bag and a pillow and/or blanket. Kids seem to be much more patient and willing to endure the long car ride when they have a little space to move their elbows and their feet.

Keep Bags Small

Small duffel bags and backpacks are much easier to fit in the car versus large suitcases. It’s a whole lot easier to play car Tetris with small, soft bags instead of big, stiff bags. It’s also easier for us to let each family member pack his or her own bag instead of packing large bags for the whole family together.

Connect with Kelley Blue Book:

Twitter @KelleyBlueBook
Facebook – KBB
YouTube – KBB
Google Plus – KBB

Enter to Win a Kelley Blue Book Giveaway Prize ($120 Value)

One winner will win the following prize pack, worth $120!

1. One Carry-On Luggage Set
2. Kelley Blue Book Swag (sticky note book, tumbler and Bluetooth speaker)
3. $25 Visa Gift Card

This giveaway will end on August 31 at 11:59 pm ET and a winner will be chosen at random and notified via email. Please note that a new winner will need to be chosen should the first winner not respond after 48 hours.

Good luck!

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Top 10 Reasons to Stay at Hershey Lodge

Lolli — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 22:28:27 +0000

My family recently traveled to Hershey, Pennsylvania as part of my Sweetest Moms ambassadorship. Although our overnight accommodations at Hershey Lodge and Hersheypark tickets were compensated, all thoughts and opinions are my own. #SweetestMoms #hersheyparkHappy

Last month, my family and I made a quick trip up to Hershey, PA for a quick family vacation. Though I had stayed at the Hershey Lodge before and attended a conference here perviously, this was the first time that the whole family was able to stay at the Lodge, and we had a blast! Our only complaint was that we couldn’t stay for a whole week instead of just one night. You know that feeling when the stresses of every day life start to melt away when you’re on vacation? That happens FAST at Hershey Lodge…and I wanted that feeling to stay!

Here are a few of the things that we LOVE about Hershey Lodge and why YOU should plan to stay here when you come to visit Hersheypark:

The beds are the ultimate in comfort. I’m picky when it comes to beds, and the beds at Hershey Lodge are some of my favorite EVER. ANYWHERE. I mean, how can you go wrong with sheets that have Hershey’s Kisses all over them? PS – just a fun tip! If you love the sheets as much as I do, you can pick up a set to take home in the gift shop downstairs!

It’s so nice to have a place to crash after a long day at the park. I hate driving home after a tiring day at Hersheypark, so I LOVE being able to get “home” to the Lodge in just a few minutes for a nice restful night’s sleep.
Hershey Lodge has the BEST eating options! You never have to leave the hotel! Hershey Lodge has you covered for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Let me recommend the Hershey Grill for breakfast (I recommend the S’MORES FRENCH TOAST – chocolate ganache and toasted marshmallow crème anglaise over graham cracker brioche. Wow!), the Cocoa Beanery for any-time-of-day hot chocolate (yes, even in the summer!) and the Bear’s Den for a quick and easy family dinner. Also included at the Hershey Lodge are The Forebay (sit down dining), Lebbie Lebkicher’s (great for breakfast!), and Cocoa Cabana (the newest place to eat the the Lodge, located at Water Works).

Hershey’s Water Works! The newest PERK at Hershey Lodge is an amazing, family-friendly indoor water park for guests of the Lodge only, which means that you don’t have to worry about crowds OR weather. The kids and I loved hanging out at Water Works, which has something for everyone in the family…including a new place to eat – Cocoa Cabana – and a game room for when you’re tired of swimming. Plus, Water Works makes the Lodge a great destination all year long, even when the park is off-season or when the weather outside is less than ideal.

Perks for Hershey Lodge guests – Guests receive discounts on Hersheypark PLUS free tickets to Hershey Gardens and the Hershey Story.
The staff at the Lodge treat you like royalty. If you need anything at all – from an extra toothbrush to an extra towel – they are there to help with a smile. The Lodge staff really take service to the next level.
The atmosphere at the Lodge can’t be beat. It’s a true vacation! I could spend a day just hanging out in the Lodge lobby area. Lots of open seating, character visits, and all-around fun, relaxing atmosphere.

This kid is addicted to hot chocolate and he LOVED the hot chocolate at the Lodge!

The shuttle to and from Hersheypark means you don’t have to pay to park when you visit the park, and it’s SO quick and convenient to go back and forth. I felt SO SPOILED having my own “driver” to take me to and from the park…and the fact that the shuttle is always air conditioned is a huge perk during the summer!
The Lodge is very family-friendly and family-oriented. There are kids everywhere and it’s obvious that kids and families are welcome at the Lodge. I love going somewhere with the family that doesn’t make me feel awkward for bringing my big family along.
Hershey’s chocolate bars at check in for everyone! What better way to welcome guests than with CHOCOLATE? It is Hershey, PS, after all!

We got an extra special welcome package because I’m a Sweetest Moms ambassador. LOVED it!

Check out my other posts about Hersheypark:

7 tips to make the most of your summer day at Hersheypark
ZooAmerica at Hersheypark
The Chocolate Lab at The Hershey Story
Christmas time at Hersheypark
Hershey Gardens (a really old post…I’ve been going to Hershey for years!)

The Chocolate Lab at The Hershey Story

Lolli — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 21:07:13 +0000

My family visited the Chocolate Lab while we were visiting Hershey, Pennsylvania as part of my Sweetest Moms ambassadorship. Although our overnight accommodations at Hershey Lodge and Hersheypark tickets were compensated, we payed for the Chocolate Lab experience on our own, because it was something we wanted to do. We loved the Chocolate Lab and it ended up being one of our favorite memories on our trip!

What is The Chocolate Lab?

The Chocolate Lab is an interactive experience inside The Hershey Story – The Museum on Chocolate Avenue, located at 63 West Chocolate Avenue in Hershey. You can expect a fun hands-on chocolate activity inside a “real” lab, made more fun by the fact that everyone must wear aprons and hair nets/bonnets! Get ready to roll up your sleeves and lick your fingers!

Not only do lab participants get to make their own chocolate creation (dipping, molding, mixing, and adding mix-in ingredients), but they learn about the chocolate making process and get a little historical background on Milton Hershey and his love for chocolate.

We even got to taste chocolate nibs – even “darker” than dark chocolate!

Each lab lasts about 45 minutes and is led by one of the Herhsey Story’s resident chocolate gurus. Of course, at the end of the lab, everyone can take home their chocolate creation (although ours only lasted a few minutes outside the lab doors!).

Choose From a Variety of Chocolate Lab Experiences:

Workshops vary and all of these may not be available when you visit. When we were there, they offered 7 classes between 9:45 am and 6:00 pm. Check with the front desk at the Hershey Story for a listing of workshops for the day you are visiting, check the website, or call ahead.

S’mores Galore – Have some summer fun as you make your own, sweet variation on S’mores (without the fire, of course). Learn the origins of this campfire confection and some Hershey’s trivia. You’ll also learn about chocolate from tree to graham cracker.

Build a Bar – Follow in Milton Hershey’s footsteps as you design your own candy bar. Discover the business behind the product as you choose ingredients to add based on flavor, appearance and your own preferences.

Chocolate Beach Bars – Celebrate summer by designing your very own sea shore-themed milk chocolate bar using edible decals and plenty of “sand.” Take a walk along our “chocolate beach boardwalk” as you learn about Hershey’s classics. Also find out where and how “cacao” is grown, harvested and processed into your favorite chocolate confections.

Planet Chocolate – Learn some delicious geography by finding out more about the many places around the globe where cocoa beans are grown. You will be guided to recognize differences in cocoa beans’ appearance and taste and make your own unique bar to take home.

We attended the Build a Bar lab and had the opportunity to pour our own Hershey’s milk chocolate into a special Chocolate Lab mold, tap out the air bubbles, and then add toppings as desired. My kids liked their chocolate pure and simple (nothing wrong with that!) but I chose to add white chocolate chips to my bar (PS – we learned what white “chocolate” is during the lab, too!).

I think the favorite part of the lab for just about everyone in the room was when one of the lab assistants gave everyone the green light to finish off all of the extra chocolate from our bowl. There were lots of smiles during that portion of the lab!

Chocolate Lab Tickets:

You can purchase tickets at the front desk at The Hershey Story. It is recommended that you arrive early and get tickets about 60 to 90 minutes before your desired lab is set to start. You can always use your waiting time to walk around the Museum (separate admission). Each lab time has limited seating and they do sell out. They told us to line up about 10 minutes prior to the lab start time. Once the doors opened, one of the chocolate gurus seated all families together.

$12.50 for adults
$9.00 for children 4-12
Note: children under 4 are not permitted
Children under 13 must be accompanied by a paying adult

Note: family members that are not interested in attending a Chocolate Lab can still watch through the glass to see how much fun those inside the lab are having!

5 Tips to Get Your Car Ready for the Summer #DrivenBySummer

Lolli — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 20:50:57 +0000

I am excited to work with Autotrader to bring you these great tips. Autotrader is sponsoring the giveaway kit as a part of the promotion, and I also received a kit as part of the promotion. #drivenbysummer

Today is the first official day of summer, and now – FINALLY! – my kids are done with the school year. It had started to feel like the kids would be in school forever, after our friends on the other side of the country started their summer vacations a month ago. Yes, we had a little bit of summer envy going on!

We’ve already been enjoying daily swim team practice and weekend swim meets since Memorial Day (and let me tell you – it’s tough to live in both worlds. School during the day and summer swim team in the evenings). I am excited to jump in to our full-fledged summer break starting this week, with scout camps and swim parties and other outdoor adventures.

I’m also excited since summer means that we can finally head on those road trips we’ve been planning. This year, we’re skipping the cross country road trips and planning some shorter trips that are a little closer to home.

5 Tips to Get Your Car Ready for the Summer

Keep it running smooth – check out Autotrader’s top 10 tips for getting your car ready for summer travel. They know exactly what you need to check up and tune up to keep your car on the road and out of the shop while you’re enjoying your summer.

Keep it clean – Before and after road trips, I like to do a thorough cleaning inside and out. Having a recently-vacuumed and clutter-free car may not make the car perform any better, but it sure does make the driver perform better (at least that’s my personal experience!).

Keep it cool – A simple sunshade (Amazon affiliate link) to place in your windshield while the car is parked. Window shades like this one for the back seat passengers not only keep the kids cooler while they ride, but also protect their little arms from harsh UV rays.

Keep it stocked – I would love to keep my car stocked with a supply of water, snacks, and sunscreen (because we need those all the time on our summer outings) but the fact is, the interior of the car gets way too hot here during the summer to keep anything perishable or sensitive to heat inside for any extended period of time. Instead, I keep a bag in the house by the door so I can grab it before I leave. In that bag, I keep water bottles, a few snacks that aren’t messy, a bottle of sunscreen, and anything else that we frequently need when we’re on the road. Inside the car, I always have an emergency bag with things I might need – a flashlight, a tire gauge, ponchos, bandages, etc.

See my post from last year on what to keep in the car!

Keep everyone entertained – My mom and I were just discussing the difference between what in-car “entertainment” meant for me when I was a kid versus what it means for the average kid today. I’m still of the mind set that kids don’t need to watch a movie unless we’re on the road for multiple hours. Luckily, there are several other ways to keep passengers entertained while in the car, whether it’s a 15 minute drive around town or a 15 hour drive to Grandma’s house.

One of my favorite things to do for the summer, when we tend to spend more time driving to activities around town as well as out-of-town trips, is to keep a supply of books, notebooks, colored pencils (NOT crayons….they’ll melt!), and puzzle books for the kids to enjoy while on the road. We just stash those extras in the seat back pockets and they’ve always got something to do (that doesn’t include arguing with their siblings!).

What are some of your best tips for getting your car (and your family!) ready for summer time travel? Share them in the comments below (and check the widget!) for a chance to win an awesome prize package from Autotrader!

Connect with Autotrader

Be sure to check out Autotrader’s summer safety and car care tips
Hashtag: #DrivenBySummer
Twitter: @AutoTrader_com
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Enter to WIN a fun Summer Car Readiness Giveaway Package

One (1) winner will receive a package from Autotrader which includes the following ($122 Value):

Autotrader branded charger ($15)
Tire Pressure Gauge ($11)
Roadside Safety Kit ($26)
Sunscreen ($18)
Poncho 4 pack ($7)
Safety Tool – Seatbelt Cutter, Hammer ($10)
Emergency Wind Up Flashlight ($10)
Visa Gift Card ($25)

This giveaway will end on July 11, 2016 at 11:59 PM ET, after which a winner will be chosen at random and notified via email. Open to US residents only, 18+. Good luck!

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7 Tips for a Successful Staycation

Lolli — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 21:00:41 +0000

There is nothing quite like a relaxing vacation – especially after a cold, long winter. What is it about being cooped up inside during the cold months that makes me itch to get out of the house and travel? Spring break is already done for the year here, but with the return of some spring-time cold weather (boo!) I’m eager for a getaway.

With kids in school and busy jobs that keep us tied to home most of the time, planning a decent vacation can sometimes seem a daunting task. Not to mention the COST of traveling with a family of seven! We’re fans of summer-time road trips to far-away destinations, but we can’t afford to spend that much time on our vacations most of the time. And who wants to wait ALL year for the next vacation?

According to Dictionary.com, a STAYCATION is “a vacation spent at home or near home, doing enjoyable activities or visiting local attractions.” It’s a relatively new term, but the idea is timeless!

Staycations can be a great way to save money on family travel. You also “save” on post-vacation recuperation time when you can avoid the wear and tear of travel. Staycations are also great because you can plan a ton or nothing at all and still have a blast.

That’s why we’re such fans of staycations!

7 Tips for planning a successful staycation

Treat your staycation like a “real” vacation. And it IS a real vacation…just without the cost and time of traveling somewhere. Make sure that you put yourself in full vacation mode. In other words, put your feet up and relax…or do whatever it takes to unwind. You’ll feel the difference when you do.

Act like a tourist. There’s something so enjoyable about sightseeing in your own hometown. Look at sites and attractions from an outsider’s eyes. Not only will you have fun while you’re doing it, but you might just discover something new!

Take advantage of the extra time. Since staycations are vacations without the travel time, put that extra time to good use. You can check in to your hotel early to take a nap before heading out for some night-time fun on the town or use that time to explore a new museum or see a show. (I’m not the only person out there who loves napping on vacation, am I?)

Enjoy the off-season. When you take a staycation, you can pick the perfect time and avoid the typical tourist crowds. Not only will venues be less crowded, but you can often get better prices when you’re there on the off-season.

Unplug! That’s right. This is nothing new for anyone, but it’s worth repeating. Make your staycation even more powerful by unplugging and making real face-to-face connections. Yes, Instagram and Facebook and even email will be there when you get back (you can even post “latergrams” if you’re eager to share pictures of your fun staycation. It’s ok to delay!

Try something new. Eat out at a restaurant you’ve never been to before. Try a new show. You might just find a few new favorites that you can visit for a future date night or family activity.

Plan ahead and search for deals. Sign up for a few of the local deal sites (like Groupon or CityDeals) and take advantage of coupons and specials (especially for off-season times).

Have I convinced you that it’s time for a staycation? Well, you’re in luck, because Radisson Hotels want to get you started on the perfect getaway! Bonus: as great as staycations are, heading out of town is pretty amazing too. Where would YOU go if you won Radisson’s #TakeMeThereSweepstakes 5-day trip for two?

I chose the Radisson Hotel in Melbourne so that I can dip my toes in the water and enjoy a peaceful day or two in the sand.

When you tweet a postcard of a location you’d like to visit, you’re entered to win a prizes from Radisson (details here) but you ALSO receive a 10% off e-certificate just for sharing. So basically, EVERY tweet is a winner.

Speaking of winning, I’m going to make this #TakeMeThereSweepstakes even more fun. When you tweet your entry from the sweepstakes page, you can come back here, share your postcard and be entered to win $40 paypal or Amazon cash from me! This giveaway will end 4/22/2016 at 11:59 pm ET and a winner will be chosen at random and notified via email. Good luck!

Please note: this giveaway requires that you have a social media account (Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest) to enter. I apologize in advance for my readers that do not use social media.

Tip: to grab the url of a social share on twitter or facebook, just click on the timestamp and copy the link in the search bar at the top of your page. It should look like this: https://twitter.com/foodfunfamily/status/718835951489937408

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PS – although this post is sponsored by Radisson Hotels, this giveaway is self-funded by me.